Microsoft Launches MAI Superintelligence Team Focused on Advanced AI for Medical Diagnostics

Microsoft is forming a dedicated team, named the MAI Superintelligence Team, to develop artificial intelligence systems that outperform humans in specific areas, starting with advancements in medical diagnostics. Mustafa Suleyman, the company's AI lead, revealed that Microsoft plans significant financial investment in this ambitious project. Unlike efforts from competitors such as Meta Platforms and Safe Superintelligence Inc, Microsoft's initiative rejects the pursuit of an all-encompassing, infinitely capable general AI due to concerns about controlling self-improving autonomous systems. Suleyman outlined a vision for what he terms "humanist superintelligence," where AI technologies are designed to address clearly defined problems while serving human interests. "Humanism requires us to always ask the question: does this technology serve human interests?" Suleyman explained, underscoring the ethical framework guiding the team's work. Suleyman emphasized that the MAI Superintelligence Team will focus on specialized AI models that deliver superhuman performance with minimal existential risks. He cited examples such as AI solving challenges related to battery storage or molecular development, paralleling advances like DeepMind's AlphaFold protein structure predictions, referencing his own background as a DeepMind co-founder. Regarding medical diagnostics, a longstanding AI focus for Microsoft, Suleyman expressed optimism about achieving "medical superintelligence" within two to three years. He noted that while the project depends on future breakthroughs in reasoning-based AI, its success could substantially extend human life expectancy by enabling earlier detection and prevention of diseases. Microsoft will staff the team both by recruiting from leading AI research labs and leveraging existing researchers, appointing Karen Simonyan as chief scientist. While Suleyman did not disclose if Microsoft would match Meta's lucrative AI talent recruitment offers, he affirmed the company's continued commitment to attracting top AI expertise. This initiative reflects a broader trend in the industry, where major technology firms are intensifying efforts to build highly capable AI systems under rigorous ethical considerations, balancing innovation with safety and societal benefit.

DICT to Publish IRR for Konektadong Pinoy Act, Enhancing Data Security and Telco Services

MANILA – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is set to release the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Konektadong Pinoy Act (Republic Act 12234), aimed at accelerating policy execution and promoting infrastructure sharing within the telecommunications sector. DICT Secretary Henry Aguda highlighted the importance of timely implementation as the IRR is finalized following the approval of all signatories. The legislation, enacted on August 24, 2025, and effective from September 14, will formalize several key reforms to improve connectivity and service efficiency. "The major change is speed," Aguda said, emphasizing the expedited deliverables expected from involved agencies. The IRR also introduces arbitration provisions to resolve disputes among service providers without immediate regulatory intervention. In addition, Aguda revealed plans for the government to provide participants in the data transmission industry with an accessible map of the nation’s fiber network. This transparency initiative, to be hosted on the DICT website about two weeks before the IRR takes effect, aims to assist investors in identifying opportunities for network expansion. Interest from international investors is robust, with around seven major foreign entities expressing intent to enter the Philippine market. Aguda alluded to a significant forthcoming investment valued between USD 1 billion and 1.5 billion but declined further details. In a related announcement, PLDT Enterprise introduced SmartSafe SilentAccess, the country’s first telecommunications firm-enabled fraud management application programming interface (API). The solution, certified by the global GSMA mobile industry body, enhances mobile user data authentication beyond the existing one-time password (OTP) system. Blums Pineda, Senior Vice President and head of the PLDT Enterprise Business Group, stated, "With SmartSafe SilentAccess, we are proud to deliver the safest telco-powered authentication solution available today. When businesses and their customers feel safe, they have the confidence to grow." Representatives from regulatory agencies including the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the National Privacy Commission, and the National Telecommunications Commission attended the launch event alongside Secretary Aguda. Aguda expressed optimism about the collaboration between government and telecommunications firms in advancing data protection and privacy standards. He also confirmed ongoing consultations with Smart and PLDT to refine data protection policies and remains receptive to proposals from other stakeholders. When asked about the timeline for phasing out OTP, Aguda cautioned that the transition would be gradual to avoid disrupting the public. "The fastest that we can do it without inconveniencing the public is what we will do," he said. The forthcoming IRR and enhanced telco solutions mark significant steps toward a more secure and efficient digital ecosystem for Filipinos.